A (Contactless) Thank You

Anthony Cotton expresses gratitude and addresses his new role as Colorado AvidGolfer’s editor.

By Anthony Cotton

IT IS SAID that the origin of the handshake dates back to the fifth century B.C. in Greece. One popular theory is that the gesture began as a way of conveying peaceful intentions. By extending their empty right hands, strangers could show that they were not holding weapons and bore no ill will toward one another.

I’ve been thinking about handshakes a lot lately—I don’t know if Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and Pythagoras engaged in a hearty clasp at the conclusion of the Athens Club Championship (rumor has it that the Socratic Method was the end result of trying to figure out why Plato was such a sore loser), but, of course, it’s long been an essential part of golf etiquette.

Until now. The esteemed Ed Mate, executive director of the Colorado Golf Association, says that in the wake of the novel coronavirus and its insidious spread, he may never shake hands out on the course again. He’s right; it’s easy to envision where a wave and a bow (Namaste? Wakanda Forever?) may indeed become the new post-round norm. While that’s totally understandable, in several ways, it’s a shame. A hearty clasp, of

course, has also long been a sign of respect, a way of saying thanks. And, there are a lot of people whom I’d love to be shaking hands with (and giving great big bear hugs to) right now. If you’re reading this, it means I’m ecstatic on any number of levels, the first and foremost being that in my first effort as editor, Colorado AvidGolfer actually made it to print! For 18 years, beginning with its very first edition, CAG has been shepherded by Jon Rizzi; if you saw his final issue last month, a paean to his tenure, then you understand why being his successor is such a daunting proposition.

Jon has been the guiding light, the heart and soul of this magazine from Day 1—but he would also be the first to say he didn’t do it by himself. Golf is often a solitary pursuit; but in this case, like Rizzi, I’m comforted by the knowledge that I’m not taking this walk alone.

In the brief time I’ve been aboard, I’ve already witnessed firsthand the commitment of the staff—Allen, Chris, Ben, Chelsea, Cindy, Craig, Drew, Hillary, Jani, Kendall, Melissa and Mike—to Colorado AvidGolfer, and in turn, to you, its readers. From horrific personal sorrow to unexpected economic adjustments, like many of you, the coronavirus has wreaked havoc inside our collective home as well. Despite this adversity, the team I’m proud to say that I’m now a part of has shown an unwavering dedication to their craft.

Yet, of course, that pales in comparison to the real artisans, champions who deserve much more gratitude and respect than could ever be expressed in a handshake. Since the beginning of the pandemic, countless health care professionals in Colorado have devoted their lives to battling COVID-19 and seeking a path back to normalcy. As it turns out, for some of them, in one form or another, that includes golf. In the June issue, we look at the work they’re doing, and why they—like you, like me, like every golfer—can’t wait for the day when their biggest worry is grinding over a double-breaking 20-foot putt on the 18th hole.

Let’s hope that day is coming soon—even without the post-round handshake.

-Anthony Cotton